WITH the Victorian trials fast approaching next weekend ahead of the 2025 AFL Women’s Under 18 Championships, we cast our eye over the Coates Talent League Girls competition to-date to look at a few of the surprise packets who have stood out this season.

To be eligible to make this list, they must be players outside the Victorian hubs, with a particular focus on top-age talent as that will be preferred over bottom-age prospects when it comes to the ‘Big V’.

Shauna McElligott (Calder Cannons)
Forward/Midfielder | 162cm | 05/03/2007

2025 Averages: 17.8 disposals, 3.6 marks, 2.8 clearances, 5.6 tackles, 3.2 inside 50s, 1.0 goals

Always a clever forward, McElligott has lifted her consistency and production in season 2025, with her ability to get into better positions a noticeable change. Her work up the field and being a distributor going inside 50 is valuable and what she does so well is the fact she can be equally impactful offensively and defensively. Her 5.6 tackles per game are a massive improvement on her 2.3 from last season, but for her height she can compete in the air just as well as any taller player. A unique prospect in the competition who has stood out despite having the highest production player in Chloe Baker-West alongside her at the Cannons.

Evelyn Connolly (Dandenong Stingrays)
Forward | 169cm | 26/05/2007

2025 Averages: 14.3 disposals, 4.3 marks, 3.3 tackles, 3.3 goals

Was touted by coach Josh Moore as one to watch after a massive preseason saw Connolly knuckle down and improve her tank to impact for longer in games. The high footy IQ forward was already a classy finisher – as her 21 majors in 15 games attests to last season, but could tend to float in and out of matches. Fast forward to 2025, and she is having close to four-quarter performances, averaging a whopping 3.3 goals – 13 in four matches – and is set to blow past her efforts last season. Her marking has always been good, and while her numbers have improved (4.3 to 1.6) it is more her working into space for longer periods of time.

Amy Smith (Sandringham Dragons)
Midfielder | 172cm | 07/11/2007

2025 Averages: 14.8 disposals, 2.5 marks, 2.3 tackles, 3.3 clearances, 2.5 inside 50s, 0.5 goals

Rated highly internally at the Dragons, coach Martha Cantwell admitted she was a little confused as to what Smith needed to do to crack into the Victorian hub. Though injuries limited her to six games in 2024, Smith has found continuity this year, playing in four games and lifting her averages substantially. Her disposal average is up 5.8 per game, she is taking an extra mark and her tackle numbers had moved slightly. The latter is a work in progress, but what Smith offers is outstanding skills and smarts around the ground and at 172cm, she is a good size as well. Given her traits and size, Smith is a candidate to play across all three lines.

Chelsea Sutton (Gippsland Power)
Midfielder | 169cm | 16/11/2007

2025 Averages: 18.5 disposals, 1.3 marks, 5.8 tackles, 5.8 clearances, 3.3 inside 50s, 0.3 goals

One player who was probably a touch unlucky not to crack into the Victorian Country hub at the end of last season, Sutton’s numbers were only fair last season, but she has raised that significantly in 2025. Her disposals per game have risen 6.1, while she is laying 1.6 more tackles as well. Involved more at the stoppages in a side that is now without Ash Centra, Sutton has been a leading player through the middle alongside some serious bottom-age talent. Her last two matches have particularly stood out, showing she is working into the season. Provides a highly contested attitude and can also play as a forward which is always valuable.